Staying with the theme and just to hark back to Mitsubishi for a second, the naming of cars can be a minefield when it comes to world markets. Take the Shogun.

Elsewhere it is badged Pajero but not in Spain where the word means something very, very rude on the street. What the court may refer to as wanton self-gratification.

Subaru’s chunky crossover, the Forester, was never going to be called the lumberjack, thus attracting Monty Python musical ridicule but is named to suggest its off road credentials. No problems there. It always has been a worthy choice for a bit of light off roading but started life with the proud boast that it was also fast.

These days the focus falls on diesel economy, bringing us to the 2015 Forester 2.0D XC Premium, over almost £31k to buy but now with a finish and feel worthy of its premium tag.

There is new fascia trim and while one or two areas of hard plastics remain the materials are generally of a much higher grade. On the other hand Subaru has a core following which expects its 4x4s to work hard and functionality scores off posh frocks.

That’s not to say that it is uncomfortable, it is not. And the standard equipment fitted is impressive; a seven inch touch screen infotainment system works well, the car is fully wired for connectivity and has air con and cruise control. Oh, and a sunroof.

If you have spent any time in the smaller XV crossover then the cabin interior will have a familiar ring to it. There is also an electric tailgate which has a tendency to be stubborn on the remote fob. And I’m not the first to notice.

However the boot it open onto is generous and adds to the overall roominess of the car. It is hardly surprising that just about every country fail and county show attracts a Subaru stand. The Forester would bay excellent shooting and fishing transport.

Right, let’s hit the road. The two-litre Boxer diesel engine is strong but can sound strained at high revs. However it claims over 46mpg. The on-board computer showed me averaging 40mpg. It’s not quick, 9.9 seconds to 62mph but the drive is smooth and pleasant on the motorway.

In town it low-speed work is easy and out in the countryside, while grip levels are good, the soft suspension leads to body lean and it does not feel all that happy. You can now have the diesel with a CVT automatic gearbox or six-speed manual shift.

In all the Forester is an interesting alternative crossover, bags of space great off road, practical and now with a much better level of refinement.

AND FINALLY…

If you want to be called all sorts of names while driving the easiest way is to get lost.

A survey this week reveals that most arguments in cars happen because the driver goes off piste. It’s not clear if this is just the wrong exit from a traffic island leading to a quick tour of the industrial estate or hanging a left at Calais and ending up in Bulgaria.

Second biggest cause of strife is bad driving. You know the sort of thing, total nuttiness leading to ashen faced passengers hiding in the footwell.

Length of journey come third, I sympathise as one who once sat on his hands while his grandfather took 17 hours to reach Cornwall via a specially researched route.

Music causes its share of bust ups but what caught my eye was too much noise coming in at number five although it is not clear if that is a dull drone from the rear seats or the kids screaming to be let out of the boot where they were put after asking twenty time ‘are we there yet.’